Best of São Vicente & Santo Antão – 2 Days: Car, Ferry & Guide, Cape Verde

Duration

Languages

German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, Dutch

Guests

1-10

Authentic São Vicente & Santo Antão Tour with Local Guides

Included

Guide
Transfer
Entrance fee
Harbor transfers (2)
Ferry tickets , round-trip (2)
2 guided experiences with Local professional guide (English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese)
Entrance into distillery
All Fees and Taxes

Not included

Travel Insurance
Lunch
Personal expenses

Itinerary

Full Day Island Tour, São Vicente, Highlights, 6 hours

Join us for an exciting day exploring and learning more about São Vicente’s History, Culture and Lifestyle. Experience it with us! A truly unique place:) The Cosmopolitan City of Mindelo is vibrant and full of life, day and night, with its breathtaking arid landscape, rugged mountains with oasis valleys, tranquil villages and stunning coastal beaches, it is a MUST SEE Island! It will be our pleasure to explore with you! Full day Highlights of São Vicente: Mindelo (Markets), Monte Verde, Salamansa, Baía, Norte and Calhau, 6 hours

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles, São Vicente

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles - Have an exciting once in a lifetime experience of snorkeling with sea turtles*. Journey from Mindelo to our lovely fishing village of São Pedro on the southern coast of São Vicente. The coastline here is stunning, a pristine stretched out beach. Here you will be equipped with your gear and board the boat for an amazing snorkeling or swimming experience in the midst of these amazing creatures. Up to 1 hour of swimming with the turtles *Guaranteed to see the turtles Return to Mindelo

Welcome to Santo Antão depart, São Vicente by Car or Trek

Early morning pick up, for your adventure by Ferry to our neighboring Island, Santo Antão, Paradise right across the canal only an hour by ferry from São Vicente, boasting of green valleys, mountains, vegetation, traditional farming, hardworking people and rich culture, which can not be justified by words, but must be taken in by your encounter. Have full day tour by car, or Trek the valley of Paul. OPTION 1 Full Day Santo Antão - Highlights by car OPTION 2 Trek Cova Crater to Cabo da Ribeira

Day in Santo Antão, Car or Trek

Pick up at accommodation for a day of exploring some of the most beautiful places on earth! The mountains, valleys and coastal roads are sure to amaze you on our paradise Island of Santo Antão - Decide on a soft/flat walk in the most beautiful and fertile valley, Hike Ribeira da Torre - Xôxô, or take the challenging and rewarding Trek to Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha. OPTION 1 Trek to Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha, 5h+ OPTION 2 Hike Ribeira da Torre - Xôxô

Don't forget!

Not wheelchair accessibleNot stroller accessibleNo public transportation nearbyInfants must not sit on lapsYour local guide will pick you up at your accommodation at the scheduled time of your excursion São Vicente:Travel is mostly by vehicle, with some walking in the cityBe advised that we will travel up to the summit of Monte Verde with high altitude.On Sundays and holidays, the markets, Cultural Center, and Tea House are closed—but we’ll still visit these stops to share their history and take photos.Bring cash or card to pay for lunch (not included)For group tours, the guide may speak more than one language if neededSanto Antão:IMPORTANT INFORMATION:We will need the following information at least 24 hours before our excursion.A photo of your passport OR send us:Full name (as listed on passport)Passport document numberDate of birthExpiration dateNationalityCountry of issueNOTE: you must send a photo of each child's passport, for security in inter island travel, it is required.Most of our travel will be by van, though we will have the opportunity to stretch our legs with short walks at points of highlights.You must bring your passport for ferry travel (a photo on your phone is sufficient), wear comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses (sun protection), also, bring a sweater for the cool ocean and mountain air on our travel (it is cooler during the months of November through March).If you experience seasickness, please prepare (the ride is typically calm, depends on the winds). Please be advised will travel through roads with high altitude. We will make a stop for lunch, if there are any dietary restrictions or food allergies we should be aware of, please inform. The cost of lunch is typically 10-20 euros.The restaurant and local businesses accept euros and local currency, no credit cardsNote: in case of open group, our local guide may speak in more than one language if necessary.

This tour offers more than just sightseeing — it’s a deeply authentic experience guided by locals who call São Vicente and Santo Antão home. As specialists on these two islands, we take pride in sharing not just the highlights, but the hidden stories, cultural insights, and personal connections that make this place truly special. You'll be guided by people who genuinely care, love what they do, and are passionate about creating meaningful travel experiences. From traditional villages to breathtaking landscapes, we offer a warm, personal, and enriching journey you won’t find in a typical tour.

Best of São Vicente: Full-Day Island Tour with Local Guide

Welcome to one of Cabo Verde’s most beautiful and welcoming islands. We’re excited to share our unique island with you! Start with a guided walk through Mindelo’s historic center, where colonial architecture, vibrant colors, and local culture meet. Visit the bustling Fish, African, and Municipal Markets (closed Sundays). Take in scenic views of Monte Cara, Laginha Beach, and Mindelo from panoramic lookouts. Drive up Monte Verde, the island’s highest peak (774m), and enjoy a tea or coffee at the Tea House (closed Sundays/holidays). Explore traditional fishing villages like Salamansa and Calhau, and witness authentic daily life. Swim or relax at Baía das Gatas’ natural blue lagoon (bring swimwear). Learn about rural life in Calhau Valley with farms, windmills, and volcanoes.

Tour Highlights:

Fortim d’el Rei

Avenida Marginal

Cultural Center of Mindelo

Belém Tower Replica

Cesária Évora’s Home

Monte Verde Natural Park

Salamansa, Baía das Gatas

Norte Baía, Praia Grande

Calhau Valley

Discover Santo Antão: Day Trip from São Vicente with Local Guide

Start your day with an early pick-up from your Mindelo accommodation and transfer to the harbor for a scenic 1-hour ferry ride to Santo Antão. Keep an eye out for dolphins or flying fish along the way! Upon arrival in Porto Novo, meet your local guide and begin your full-day island tour. Travel the stunning Old Mountain Road to the volcanic crater of Cova de Paúl and enjoy breathtaking views from Delgadinho Ridge. Visit picturesque towns and villages like Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Sinagoga, and Paúl. Enjoy a traditional Cape Verdean lunch at a local restaurant, then stop at a distillery to learn about Grogue, the local sugarcane spirit. Return to Porto Novo via the stunning Coastal Road, where mountain tunnels and ocean views amaze. Take the ferry back to São Vicente and transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo.

Tour Highlights: Porto Novo • Old Mountain Road • Cova Crater • Delgadinho Ridge • Pico da Cruz • Ribeira Grande • Paúl Valley • Ponta do Sol • Sinagoga • Janela